Do You Really Know How to Pick Out a Toothbrush?

So you think picking out a toothbrush is as simple as choosing between the lime green or the navy one? Picking and using the right toothbrush plays a major role in maintaing good oral health. Test your knowledge to see if you know what's best with our quiz.

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Question 1 of 20

Which of these types of toothbrushes are better for your teeth?

soft nylon bristle

Soft bristle brushes are better because they are least likely to irritate the gums and damage enamel.

medium nylon bristle

hard nylon bristle

Question 2 of 20

Exactly how long should you brush your teeth?

60 seconds

45 seconds

120 seconds

To get the best cleaning, you should brush your teeth for two minutes. If necessary, use a stopwatch to time yourself.

Question 3 of 20

The first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced in what year?

1898

1938

The first "modern" nylon bristle toothbrush that is still used today was introduced in 1938.

1969

Question 4 of 20

How often do you replace a disposable toothbrush or electric toothbrush head?

every 6 months

once a year

every 3 months

Experts advise you to replace your toothbrush every three months or when it shows signs of wear.

Question 5 of 20

To get a proper cleaning when brushing, you don't need to pay special attention to your tooth fillings.

True

False

You definitely need to pay special attention to your teeth fillings to make sure you're brushing them properly too.

Question 6 of 20

If you wear braces, you should brush your teeth at what degree angle?

60

15

45

People with braces should brush their teeth at a 45 degree angle in a back-and-forth motion.

Question 7 of 20

What should you use to clean your toothbrush after brushing?

mouthwash

tap water

Tap water should be used to rinse your toothbrush after your brush to remove debris.

dishwashing detergent

Question 8 of 20

How did some ancient civilizations clean their teeth 5,000 years ago?

rocks

stones

chew sticks

People used "chew sticks" or thin twigs with frayed edges, to rub against their teeth to get them clean.

Question 9 of 20

What is the ingredient in toothpaste that prevents cavities?

flouride

When choosing toothpaste, make sure it contains fluoride, which is the ingredient that prevents cavities.

whitening gel

detergent

Question 10 of 20

How does fluoride stop or reverse the tooth decay process?

It keeps the tooth enamel strong by preventing the loss of important minerals.

Fluoride stops the decay process by keeping the tooth enamel strong and preventing the loss of important minerals from enamel.

It serves as a rinse for fresh breath.

It helps with the digestive process.

Question 11 of 20

True or False: Using electric toothbrushes can help motivate a person to brush his/her teeth.

True

Some people find electric toothbrushes fun or different to use, therefore increasing their chances of regularly brushing.

False

Question 12 of 20

Which of these activities are NOT part of the most important things you should do for good oral health?

flossing

brushing

whitening teeth

Brushing and flossing are the most important things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Question 13 of 20

True or False: Brushing with long horizontal strokes along the gumline can lead to abrasions.

True

Aim for brushing your teeth up and down -- not across -- for best results.

False

Question 14 of 20

Gum disease is a major risk factor for developing which of these health conditions?

diabetes

Gum disease is a major risk factor for developing diabetes.

arthritis

psoriasis

Question 15 of 20

True or False: It's fine to brush your teeth four times a day.

True

False

Brushing more than three times is bit much and could expose the root of your tooth to irritation.

Question 16 of 20

True or False: Large toothbrush heads are ideal for cleaning back teeth.

True

False

Actually, you need a small toothbrush head to clean back teeth.

Question 17 of 20

True or False: Brushing your tongue helps prevent bad breath.

True

A good way to prevent bad breath is to make sure you brush your tongue.

False

Question 18 of 20

Fluoride is found in approximately what percentage of fluids like water, soft drinks and juice in the United States?

25

75

Fluoride is found in approximately 75 percent of liquids like water, soft drinks and juice in the U.S.

50

Question 19 of 20

True or False: You can keep your toothbrush in closed containers.

True

False

Moist environments like those found in closed containers are conducive for growing microorganisms that are bad for your toothbrush.

Question 20 of 20

True or False: Manual and electric toothbrushes are equally good for people with disabilites.

True

False

People with mobility limitations find electric toothbrushes easier to use.